History at Baylor University

Waco, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,391/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #387 of 389 History programs

Program Analysis

Baylor's History program provides a robust liberal arts foundation, but its financial outcomes reflect the broader reality for many humanities degrees. Graduates often find themselves in roles where their critical thinking and research skills are highly valued, yet the direct vocational pipeline for history majors often leads to careers requiring advanced degrees, like postsecondary teaching or archival work, or to entry-level positions in sectors like education, non-profits, or government, which may have more modest starting salaries. The Waco job market, while growing, doesn't present a high density of immediate, high-paying opportunities directly aligned with an undergraduate history degree. Many successful alumni pivot into management, leveraging their analytical abilities. To maximize your financial outlook, proactively seek internships that bridge history with business or policy, or consider combining your degree with a minor in a more vocational field.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to History graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $643K $628K $567K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.9x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 23 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$219,376
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$167,768
24% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,625
14.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,059
170% growth from Year 1

About Baylor University

Baylor University accepts 51% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 15,007 in Waco, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Baylor University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
History teachers, postsecondary $81,500/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

History at Other Schools

Other Majors at Baylor University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for History at Baylor University?
A score of 23/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for History. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is History at Baylor University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $24,625 against $20,391/yr starting salary means roughly 1.2 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Will AI replace History careers?
With 44% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $567,413 in decade earnings vs $642,565 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with History from Baylor University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →